The Evolution of Information Technology: From Mainframes to Cloud Computing

Where you establish the beginning of information technology largely depends on how you want to define the term. If you mean information technology as it pertains to digital computers, the field emerged in the 1950s when scientists at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) started integrating circuits into large devices that could store and retrieve data. If you define information technology as any invention that stores data, you can trace the field’s origins to early writing.

Regardless of where you choose to begin the timeline, IT has played a critical role in human development by giving people ways to record, manipulate, and retrieve information. Let’s look at some of the historical milestones in IT development to gain a deeper understanding of how IT benefits people today.

Historical Milestones in IT Development

Some of the most important milestones in IT development include:

• The Analytical Engine (1801): conceived by mathematician Charles Babbage, the Analytical Engine was a steam-powered device that could theoretically perform large calculations.

• Punch Cards (1890): Herman Hollerith developed a punch-card system to make the U.S. census more efficient and accurate. The punch-card concept would remain influential for at least half a century.

• Turing Machine (1936): Alan Turing conceptualized a universal computational device. It was used to decode messages during World War II and remains a central concept in modern computing.

• First Digital Computer (1941): Konrad Zuse finished the first fully digital computer.

• Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) (1946): The Census Bureau funded the first commercial, general-purpose computer.

• First Transistor (1947): Bell Laboratories invented the first transistor, leading to the possibility of more compact computers with large vacuum tubes.

• First Computer Chip (1958): Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce developed the first integrated circuit.

• First Mouse and GUI (1968): Douglas Engelbart made computing technology more feasible for the public by introducing the mouse and graphical user interface (GUI).

At this point, computer technology begins evolving so rapidly that revolutionary scientists debut revolutionary new concepts nearly every year. By 1972, available technology makes it possible for Ralph Baer to release Pong for the first home computer system.

Transition From Mainframe Computers to Personal Devices

Early computers used by businesses and tech enthusiasts weren’t self-contained devices. Instead, they were terminals that relied on much larger mainframe computers that were typically housed at universities or companies developing new technologies. Although not commonly used by the public, IBM still releases mainframe computers. For example, IBM currently makes a z16 mainframe computer. Businesses use the z16 for its fast computational and AI features.

While some companies still use mainframe computers, they’re very rare compared to the number of personal devices available. Some of the first personal devices made by Atari, Sinclair, and Commodore had enough power to perform complex mathematics and process code fast enough for people to play video games.

The IBM PC changed everything by providing an all-in-one computer that came with a hard drive, screen, mouse, and floppy disk drive.

The Rise of Cloud Computing and Its Advantages

In some ways, the rise of cloud computing resembles the way businesses once used mainframe computers. As cloud computing became more popular throughout the 2000s, home and business users could tap into larger servers to access powerful software. The impact of cloud computing offers several advantages, including:

• Scalability that accommodates a company’s evolving needs

• Off-site data storage for disaster recovery

• Collaboration tools for remote and on-site employees

• Access to emerging technologies like machine learning, AI, and data analytics at affordable prices

• Mobile access to data and applications

Thanks to cloud computing, today’s companies can do business from any location with an internet connection.

Future Trends in IT – AI and Quantum Computing

AI and quantum computing are leading the future trends in IT. With AI, companies can analyze large data sets to make informed business decisions, serve customers, and predict future developments. AI is much more than a buzzword. It’s driving today’s most innovative organizations.

Quantum computing isn’t as available as AI, but it has enormous potential. By moving beyond the binary systems that underlie standard computer technology, quantum computing could solve problems that stump today’s fastest supercomputers. That’s good news for companies and governments that need to address complex issues. In the wrong hands, though, it could make it much easier for hackers to break into systems that were once considered secure. That only means that organizations need to adopt increasingly advanced security technologies to stay safe.

Staying Ahead of Your Competitors

Information technology never stops evolving. That’s a blessing for companies eager to embrace emerging IT trends. And it’s a curse for those that struggle to keep up with those trends. Knowing the history of how information technology continues to influence today’s business decisions further highlights the importance of keeping up with emerging tech.

Start following The Trevi Group today to stay current with today’s leading technologies and discover more opportunities to thrive as IT changes.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

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The Rise Of Generative AI: Transforming Financial Planning and Its Impact on Hiring in Finance/Banking

Imagine an AI-powered bot that scours through a customer’s risk tolerance, financial goals, and income patterns to surface highly tailored investment plans—at inimitable speeds and scale. Better yet, envision a bot that engages in human-like conversations to a T, answering complex queries and explaining financial concepts using the simplest terms possible. That, right there, is the promise of generative AI.

For decision-makers in the banking and finance sector, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With generative AI firmly in the picture, traditional advisory roles are quickly taking a backseat and paving the way for AI-enhanced services. Here’s how you and your company can keep up.

Generative AI in Financial Planning

Traditional AI scours pre-fed data to pick out patterns and formulate scenarios, but that’s all it does. Generative AI goes a level up to create new superior data, from simple write-ups to intricate videos, without deviating from the initial training data. 

For banking and finance professionals, there is no shortage of scenarios where generative AI could prove to be a game-changing addition:

Personalized Financial Advice

The modern customer deeply values anything that speaks to them, just them. With AI tools, you can capably search through vast amounts of customer data, including spending patterns and behavioral data, to surface tailored financial plans that are far more individualized and impactful than any human could ever conjure. 

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

At its simplest, NLP is a wing of generative AI that makes client interactions broadly sophisticated and extensively helpful. One of its standout features is advanced sentiment analysis, allowing you to adjust recommendations dynamically based on clients’ emotions and risk tolerance. Tapping on NLP’s incredible ability to analyze markets and client goals in real-time, you can also suggest portfolio alterations or new opportunities on-the-go–a perk that clients will deeply appreciate. Yet that’s just the tip of the NPL’s iceberg.

Virtual Financial Advisors 

AI-powered financial advisors can be the difference between financial products that feel disturbingly generic and those that are deeply personalized. That’s because they’re trained and modeled to adapt to individual clients’ scenarios across a variety of use cases, from savings and pensions to investment solutions. Besides, these intelligent AI solutions can continuously fine-tune their suggestions with every new data input, ensuring that each advisory experience is as dynamic and responsive as it can possibly be.

How the Rise of AI Impacts Hiring in Finance/Banking

A  recent IBM survey of close to 300 CEOs within the finance and business markets revealed a rather profound truth: jobs in the financial sector are fundamentally changing. 50% of the CEOs surveyed are keen on hiring for AI generative roles that weren’t there last year.

What does this mean for hiring trends 2025? The impact is three-pronged:

1. Increased Demand for AI Specialists and Data Analysts

At the heart of generative AI’s efficacy is data that requires close monitoring and refining. So it’s no surprise that professionals adept in AI, machine learning, and data analytics are in high demand in the market right now. In the coming months and years, financial institutions will continue seeking out individuals who can build, roll out, and refine AI systems that enhance personalization and efficiency across their service portfolios.

2. Evolving Roles for Financial Advisors 

Human expertise in financial planning can never be fully replaced, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be augmented or improved. As we speak, there’s an evolution towards a hybrid model, where advisors blend their expertise with AI’s insane speed and analyzing chops. Simply put, they’re learning how to work with and alongside AI; as partners, not competitors. The outcome is a richer, smoother, more data-driven experience for customers. A win-win for everyone.

3. Tech-Savvy Candidates With Cross-Disciplinary Skills

Not too long ago, candidates with deep financial knowledge were almost assured of a spot in the industry. Things have changed since. Financial institutions are now seeking out professionals who possess extensive expertise in both AI and finance. And they’re willing to pay top dollar to get their hands on a few of those.

Opportunities for Finance Professionals

As the financial landscape continues to shift in the most unprecedented fashion and hiring trends become even more sophisticated, finance professionals must embrace emerging opportunities to stay relevant. It’s shape-up or shape-out time. Here are opportunities for finance professionals:

• Upskilling in AI integration and data integration: Only those who take time to grasp the intricacies of AI, data analytics, and machine learning – and the intersection of all three – have a future in the industry. 

• Human expertise in complex financial decision-making: While generative AI is perfectly capable of generating powerful insights, it can only do so much. Nuanced human expertise remains pertinent in sensitive or complex financial decisions, particularly those that require empathy, judgment, and ethics – all qualities that AI is currently unable to imitate. Professionals who dial down on such “human-only” traits can be sure of a longer stay in the industry.

• Collaboration between AI systems and human advisors: As far as the future of financial services goes, AI won’t be able to completely replace humans. A long-term collaboration between the two is in the offing. As such, financial experts who can effectively channel the best of both worlds – human intuition and AI-driven precision – into customer interactions stand to enjoy enhanced sustained client trust and satisfaction.

Takeaway – AI is a Key Part of Financial Planning’s Future

Generative AI is reshaping the financial planning space in ways never seen before. Client interactions have now become highly personalized and endlessly effective, a perk that the modern customer deeply appreciates. For financial professionals, it’s an opportunity to win over more clients by staying ahead of the curve.

With roles within the sector set to change for good to accommodate a more hybrid setup, you can’t afford to rest on your laurels. That’s where we come in. At MRINetwork, we’ve got what it takes to connect you with finance and banking professionals who are already steps ahead with AI adoption. We can’t wait to make your company’s transition to an AI-driven future a seamless, hiccup-free experience. Contact The Trevi Group today.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

#thetrevigroup #recruitingtrends #informationtechnology #employmenttrends #jobmarket #hiringtrends

Cybersecurity Challenges in Information Technology: A Growing Concern

Network access, data storage, and laptop or smartphone use are just a few common ways professionals use technology every day. Each represents a potential cybersecurity vulnerability. Cybercriminals will use any and all methods to access a business’s internal systems. As firms become more connected, their information technology systems become ever more prone to attacks.

With cybercrime rising and becoming more advanced and accessible to malicious actors, savvy organizations must update their IT hiring practices and internal processes.

Cybercrime Threatening Modern Businesses

Any business that requires internet access faces real threats from malicious actors. These criminals’ goals are varied. Some simply want money. Others seem to enjoy sowing disruption and danger. 

Take the 2021 Colonial Pipeline attack, for example. The attack was a form of ransomware. The attackers demanded money in return for releasing control of the utility’s systems. But they also wanted to show their power via a shakeup of local infrastructure. The attack led to panic buying of fuel and a nationwide alarm around the seriousness of ransomware.

But ransomware isn’t the only concern of modern businesses.

Phishing is the act of using authentic-seeming communications to gather personal or business information. Phishers use this data to access systems such as bank accounts and business data storage systems. Some phishing emails and messages are easy to spot. The more sophisticated use social engineering to gain access to more sensitive data.

Other cyber threats are malware, direct entry via weak networks, data theft, and supply chain attacks.

Employee Training Is One Pillar of a Robust Cybersecurity Posture

The key to how resilient you are against cyber threats is your workforce. Every employee contributes to how secure your firm is. Training and education can help prevent:

• Employees falling for phishing scams

• Sharing of passwords

• Weak passwords

• Data loss via human error

• The use of personal devices for corporate purposes

As well as training non-cybersecurity specialists on the basics, it helps to have some specialists in place. One of the major cybersecurity challenges facing companies is the talent shortages in this area.

Information technology recruitment specialists have noted a workforce gap of 4.8 million, which has risen 19% since 2023. The demand for skilled cybersecurity specialists is outstripping the rate at which they’re becoming qualified. To gain access to the right talent pools, businesses could consider partnering with educational establishments. They may also want to work with cybersecurity-focused talent advisors.

Advancing Technologies Aid with Threat Detection

One reason for talent shortages is that cybersecurity professionals must keep up to date with emerging technologies. Last year’s experts are this year’s has-beens without the right upskilling.

Specialists who do learn the latest skills will find themselves using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in their threat detection efforts. Predictive AI can assess networks for vulnerabilities quickly. Some AI-powered cybersecurity tools can even suggest next steps. Or they may use automation to patch vulnerabilities and deploy solutions.

The Consequences of Ignoring Cybersecurity Challenges

When businesses fail to consider cybersecurity as a priority, cybercriminals win. The Colonial Pipeline attack is just a single event in a long history of cyberattacks. By May 2024, there had already been 20 major cyberattacks and countless smaller events.

• UnitedHealth Group lost $872 million due to ransomware.

• Hospital Simone Veil, France, ended up having to do every patient chart with pen and paper after ransomware shut the hospital’s systems down in April 2024 — it refused to pay.

• Spoutible had its API hacked which impacted 207,000 users.

While not all these attacks lead to financial consequences, they all reduce faith in the organization as a whole. Consumers, investors, and partners want to know their data is safe. Firms that can’t guarantee that will lose customers to businesses that can.

Best Practices for Securing Information Technology Environments

There are many ways to secure your information technology systems, networks, and devices:

• Invest in advanced firewalls

• Ensure third-party software products meet your firm’s security standards

• Hire a chief information security officer (CISO) to help manage data security protocols

• Employ cybersecurity specialists with industry-specific experience

• Take multiple backups of business-critical data

• Have a disaster recovery plan in place

Many businesses end up in a tight spot because they don’t know what to do when an attack occurs. Planning for the worst helps ensure business continuity.

Stay Ahead of Cybercrime with the Right Recruitment Strategies

Your business needs to get the right cybersecurity strategies in place before the worst happens. Hiring cybersecurity specialists to complete your information technology teams is essential. Work with expert talent advisors at The Trevi Group to discover how to fill roles despite ongoing talent shortages. It will help you keep your organization secure against rapidly advancing threats.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

#thetrevigroup #recruitingtrends #informationtechnology #employmenttrends #jobmarket #hiringtrends

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remember the many reasons there are to be grateful. I just want to let you all know how grateful we are that we've had a chance to get to know each other. Working with people like you is what makes our jobs great, and that’s something for which we are truly thankful.  

We wish you peace, good health and happiness, not only at Thanksgiving, but throughout the coming year.
Stay well and stay safe. 
Sincerely,
Karel Lukas
& The Trevi Group

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

#thetrevigroup #informationtechnology #thanksgiving

Cloud Security: Protecting Against Cyber Attacks in the Cloud Era

The cloud is meant to be a safer way to store data compared to on-premise solutions like hard drives. However, that doesn’t mean it’s 100% secure. Cloud service providers are often the victims of cyber attacks. In fact, this technology is the second-most popular target for hackers. 

Cloud misconfigurations, flimsy access controls, and poor incident response plans are among the most common vulnerabilities for cloud attacks. Here are some ways to keep your setup as secure as possible:

Understand You’re Jointly Responsible for Protecting Your Data

Many businesses think that cloud providers are totally responsible for security. However, this isn’t always true. Under the shared responsibility model, commonly used by providers, users also have obligations when it comes to security. This includes protecting hardware, networks, and other cloud resources. 

The goal of shared responsibility is establishing a “collaborative and comprehensive approach to cloud security” that “leverages the expertise and resources of both the [cloud service provider] and the customer,” says leading cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks. 

In other words, you also have a duty to manage and secure different aspects of your cloud computing environment, whether it’s a public, private, or hybrid cloud. These components include compute, networking, storage, and everything that makes your environment run properly. 

Shared responsibility isn’t some niche thing. Many of the world’s largest providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), adopt this model.

Common Cloud Vulnerabilities and Misconfigurations

Cloud attacks can happen for all kinds of reasons, and common vulnerabilities are often to blame. For example, a lack of visibility over your cloud environment can encourage hackers to exploit weak spots, resulting in potential data loss. 

Other vulnerabilities include:

• Unsecured application programming interfaces (APIs)

• Insider threats, such as disgruntled employees who want to steal your data

• Poor access management controls

• A lack of encryption, increasing the chances of hackers stealing sensitive data

Improper cloud misconfigurations can also wreak havoc on your environment. For example, setting up an AWS S3 bucket might lead to data loss, which happened to major publishing company McGraw Hill. This simple misconfiguration meant that hackers could have accessed 117 million files. 

How to Secure Your Environment

There are various ways to keep your cloud environment safe and secure. Some best practices include:

• Setting up secure passwords that are difficult for hackers to guess

• Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) across your environment, making it harder for hackers to access sensitive info

• Encrypting all your most important data

• Preventing and monitoring suspicious activity with the right cloud management tools, such as CloudZero and Apache CloudStack

• Creating least-privilege roles and disabling inactive or at-risk user accounts

Most providers take care of some of these tasks for you. For example, vendors might have in-house cloud management tools that track suspicious activity. However, you should still be accountable for cloud security, particularly if you agree to the shared responsibility model. Securing your environment isn’t a choice but a necessity, even if you’re a small business.

Create a Proper Incident Response Plan

The cloud is still safer than on-premise. However, cyber attacks can happen and are actually on the rise. In worst-case scenarios, you need an incident response plan to fall back on. The right plan will detail what you should do post-attack, reducing disruption to your business. 

Your response plan might include:

• Roles and responsibilities for different team members after an attack

• Identifying cloud cyber attacks, such as data breaches, API hacks, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and more. 

• Standardizing procedures for responding to, containing, and remediating the fallout of an attack

Your response plan shouldn’t be a one-time thing. For best results, create one you can adapt and update over time. Continuously improving your plan can reduce the impact of a cyber attack on your cloud environment. 

Future of Cloud Security

The cloud is still a relatively new technology, and security will evolve and improve over time. In the future, expect technologies like cybersecurity mesh to increase in popularity. This innovation involves creating a distributed network and infrastructure that constructs a security perimeter around the people and devices connected to a network. Other trends, such as zero-trust architecture, will grow, eventually becoming a standard in the cloud computing industry. 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning could also improve cloud security. These technologies let cloud systems learn from data algorithms, making detecting threats and suspicious activity with little or no human intervention easier. 

Keep Your Cloud Secure

Whether the cloud is home to some or all of your data, you’ll want to take the right precautions to prevent a cyberattack or other security incident. This might involve understanding shared responsibility, securing your cloud environment, and creating a good incident response plan. No matter what you do, keeping your cloud secure requires a lot of vigilance and compliance with industry best practices. 

If you lack cloud security skills in your workplace, The Trevi Group can help. We’ll connect you with cloud professionals in your industry to keep your network and infrastructure secure.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

#thetrevigroup #recruitingtrends #informationtechnology #employmenttrends #jobmarket #hiringtrends

Navigating Multi-Cloud Management: Trends and Staffing Opportunities on the Horizon

Advancing technologies are a key driver in modern business, particularly cloud-based SaaS (software as a service) and PaaS (platform as a service). These services take up less space on company servers and are often at least partially managed by experienced third parties. Yet, a single cloud provider rarely offers all the necessary business tools in one package. That’s why savvy businesses opt for multi-cloud environments, where they leverage services from several cloud providers to gain the best of what’s on offer.

While this approach helps businesses get the most suitable tools for their needs, it creates complexity. Multi-cloud management could be the new key consideration when hiring technical staff and building effective teams.

The Benefits and Challenges of Multi-Cloud Environments

Multi-cloud environments offer several benefits:

• Reduced chance of vendor lock-in

• Access to more innovative technologies

• Ability to leverage the best tools on the market

• Budget management — although this can be a challenge as well as a benefit

• Risk mitigation, including improved disaster recovery plans

However, these benefits come with challenges attached. Sourcing business tools and systems for multiple providers creates a complex technical infrastructure. Not all employees will find this easy to navigate. While some systems cut costs, others may increase over time, providing finance departments with new headaches. Ensuring all existing business systems integrate correctly with a diverse range of platforms can also be tricky. Beyond the complexities of multi-cloud management, additional security risks are associated with transferring data between multiple providers.

That’s why there’s a rising demand across multiple industries for skilled professionals able to navigate these new complexities. 

Emerging Staffing Needs for Multi-Cloud Management

With that in mind, some roles are expected to be in demand over the next 18-24 months.

Cloud Architects and Engineers

Multi-cloud management specialists, such as cloud architects and engineers or platform engineers, help connect the right systems for an effective cloud-based infrastructure. 

Skills to look out for include:

• Experience with cloud SaaS and PaaS providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and others

• Knowledge of cloud interoperability

• A deep understanding of cloud system architecture

Cloud Security Specialists

One of the toughest challenges when integrating multiple platforms is ensuring compliance with data security regulations. Cloud security analysts can assess the effectiveness of individual or grouped systems, while cybersecurity specialists can ensure an organization’s overall network security is strong enough. Compliance officers check that all these tasks are combined to make a business fully compliant.

Skills to look out for:

• A good knowledge of multi-platform security protocols

• Cloud-based data encryption

• An understanding of multi-cloud management compliance standards

Data Integration and Migration Experts

Managing multiple systems means hiring individuals or teams to safely and securely collate data from various sources. Businesses will need new data engineers, data integration specialists, and database migration experts.

Skills to look out for:

• Data synchronization skills

• Data migration and transformation planning

• Experience with multi-cloud and hybrid environments

Cost Management and FinOps

Sourcing multiple systems can create financial complexity. Cloud financial analysts and FinOps (financial operations) specialists can use their skills and experience to help businesses get the best deals — and continuously manage those costs.

Skills to look out for:

• Experience creating cost optimization strategies

• Financial modeling, specifically within a multi-cloud environment

• Cost-performance analysis 

Cloud Automation and DevOps

For businesses that want to create their own bespoke systems or modify existing ones, hiring cloud automation specialists and DevOps (development and operations) teams is essential. You’ll need skilled programmers, coders, or IT specialists who can utilize low-code/no-code solutions.

Skills to look out for:

• Experience utilizing and modifying PaaS

• Continuous improvement/continuous deployment skills

• Knowledge of automation tools, e.g., AWS CloudFormation, Ansible, Terraform, and others

Each business will have its own recruitment needs, but filling these roles will ensure you have the best team for multi-cloud management.

Recruiting and Training to Meet Multi-Cloud Demands

So, how can businesses adjust their hiring strategies to attract talent with the right technology skills to handle multi-cloud management?

Prioritizing the skills needed can help create more focused recruitment campaigns. For example, experts state that interoperability is the biggest challenge in multi-cloud environments, impacting at least 80% of enterprises. Citing experience handling interoperability challenges as an essential skill can help reduce hiring time by immediately sifting out unqualified applicants. 

However, many businesses will benefit from teams with multi-disciplinary expertise. Hiring multiple team members with different strengths can help create a team that can handle all aspects of multi-cloud management. Creating partnerships with tech-focused educational establishments can be a step in the right direction. Firms can also take a look at their internal upskilling and training initiatives. Existing experts could help mentor other employees whose skills just need a tweak in the right direction.

The Right Hiring Strategy Supports Multi-Cloud Management

Hiring the right information technology teams is critical for supporting multi-cloud strategies. Without skilled personnel in place, costs can spiral, and security can become a serious issue. In addition to hunting for specific skill sets, consider the enthusiasm and adaptability of candidates. As technology advances, cloud-based systems will constantly shift and change. Teams that thrive in a fast-moving environment can help your business get ahead of the competition by leveraging the most advanced tools at their fingertips.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

#thetrevigroup #recruitingtrends #informationtechnology #employmenttrends #jobmarket #hiringtrends

Recruiters in 2024: The Race to Fill CISO, CLO, and CFO Roles as Demand Soars

There has been a significant shift in the global talent market over the past few years, with many jobs no longer tied to a location and broader international recruiting pools. One key trend that is emerging is a significant surge in demand for executive roles. In particular, Chief Legal Officers (CLO), Chief Information Security Officers (CISO), and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). How can you successfully attract the best talent if you plan to recruit for any of these roles in your company?

1. The Rise in Demand for CISOs

Why is there a massive demand for CISOs? Globally, cybersecurity threats are an escalating and continual menace to commerce and infrastructure. Organizations impacted by a cyber attack can take months to recover. For example, a cyber attack on United Health-owned Change Healthcare in February 2024 caused significant disruption with the prescription processor to health services in the USA when payments and claims could not be processed.

Organizations face increased pressure to protect their data and ensure compliance with continually evolving regulations. They also face risk mitigation and the challenge of staying two steps ahead of cyber hackers who are ever more sophisticated in their criminal acts. The CISO role is critical in organizations today and one that recruiters are focused on. They are actively hunting for CISOs with significant risk management experience, a strong knowledge of cutting-edge technology, and the leadership capability to build effective security teams.

2. CLOs Take Center Stage

Legal challenges and complexities are significant issues for organizations today. With continuous changes to legislation and regulations, keeping on top of the legal aspects is a full-time job in itself. CLO roles have moved on from simply providing legal counsel. Today, a CLO provides strategic advice at an executive level and leads on corporate governance and issues such as intellectual property and the legislation on merger cases. Understanding and complying with complex, sensitive data laws is critical in any company, particularly where a business stores sensitive information.

Regulatory frameworks are becoming tighter globally, so recruitment teams actively seek a CLO with expertise in compliance, international law, and crisis management. A seasoned CLO can save an organization time and money and protect a business’s reputation by embedding a robust legal framework in the company.

3. CFOs Lead in Financial Strategy

Global conflicts, economic uncertainty, and rising inflation are critical issues for organizations today, making the Chief Finance Officer role critical. The war in Ukraine impacting global supply chains is an example affecting finance in businesses today. If you thought a CFO’s role was merely concerned with a company’s financial health, it’s far from reality, although that is, of course, their priority. Today, a CFO also drives long-term strategy, handles acquisitions and mergers, and ensures financial transparency. They will also have a sharp focus on analytics and data to inform robust decision-making in your organization. A CFO with a firm grasp of strategic vision, financial acumen, and agility is critical for a business. Today, many CFOs look at predictive change, such as the impact of environmental change on the finances of a company. In particular, those CFOs who can steer organizations through volatile markets and financial instability are highly sought after by recruiters.

With all these executive roles, recruiting the best candidate means the teams they create will also be strong and dynamic. Their leadership in developing talented workers so they are ready to step into senior roles in the future creates opportunities for staff and makes your organization an attractive workplace.

Takeaway: Why Recruiters Are Key to Finding the Right Talent

Demand for the best CFOs, CISOs, and CLOs exceeds supply within the available talent pool. With your attention focused on your business, do you really have time to conduct a robust search for the best fit for your company? That’s where a recruiter will help you in your quest for new executive officers.

Recruiters work across extensive networks and use targeted search strategies to find the ideal candidate. They also have an in-depth understanding of the leadership qualities and skill sets required for these roles. Competition for the best executives is fierce and shows no sign of abating. Therefore, partnering with specialized recruiters will save you significant time and effort and is the best way for your organization to attract talented people and retain high-demand executives.

In 2024, businesses across a wide range of sectors are prioritizing legal governance, cybersecurity, and financial leadership, so these roles are critical to an organization’s success. Recruiters are stepping up efforts to meet this surge in demand and are focused on finding the best talent for companies.

If you are looking for a CLO, a CISO, or a CFO, start your executive search by speaking to a specialized recruiter. It’s the first step to building your executive team with the best talent and creating a strong, dynamic C-suite.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

#thetrevigroup #recruitingtrends #informationtechnology #employmenttrends #jobmarket #hiringtrends

The Evolution of Technology Jobs in Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector is constantly undergoing upheaval due to ongoing supply chain issues and talent shortages. However, one of the most significant transformations is how technology has shifted the important roles of manufacturers. 

Once upon a time, mechanical engineers may have been most sought after. Today, manufacturers may prioritize seeking out experts in the Internet of Things (IoT) or software integration specialists as often as they recruit for more practical roles like maintenance technicians.

With Gartner reporting that 54% of manufacturing firms plan to increase tech spending throughout 2024 and beyond, the industry is experiencing rapid change. Understanding how that impacts the trending jobs and roles manufacturing recruiters will have to fill helps business leaders prepare for the future.

Key Roles and Skills

Manufacturing leaders can start formulating that plan by understanding the increasing need for highly technical team members. Here are just a few of the technology jobs that will become more prevalent throughout the industry in the very near future.

Automation Engineers

Automation has been significant within manufacturing for many years – think robotic arms helping to assemble an automobile. However, as automated tasks become more complex and human intervention becomes more remote, the need for skilled automation engineers is increasing.

A talented automation engineer can:

• Design systems and processes that streamline production

• Troubleshoot and fix automated tasks and processes

• Train team members on how to work with automated machines

While automated manufacturing equipment and sensors are vital, the automation engineer is a stark reminder that there must always be a human element to ensure safety and practicability.

Data Analysts

One of the top trending jobs in many technology-oriented roles is the data analyst. In manufacturing, data analysts may collate data on various processes and use that data to improve efficiencies. They can help leaders increase production, reduce waste, and even improve quality control.

Cybersecurity Specialists

As manufacturing facilities become more connected, the risk of cyberattacks increases. Every manufacturing firm should have some sort of cybersecurity protocol in place. Hiring specialists in this area could save costs in the long run by preventing cyberattacks that halt production.

Maintenance Technicians

Of course, manufacturers will always need to fill the maintenance specialist role. Maintenance technicians ensure machines are checked over regularly and repaired to the highest standards when necessary.

However, today’s technicians may need additional skills. They may need to understand how to take apart and clean an industrial 3D printer or other tools associated with additive manufacturing. They may also need to work closely with data analysts, utilizing historical data and predictive algorithms to create a maintenance schedule that provides the smallest amount of downtime.

Maintenance technicians can be the key to ongoing business continuity with the right tech focus.

Emerging Trends

Each of these roles carries different duties. Those continuously change and adapt to accommodate and integrate emerging technologies. Below are just a few of the directions in which manufacturing technology roles are shifting.

AI and Machine Learning

AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning represent the use of complex algorithms to mimic human intelligence and learning. A data scientist can pull startling insights from a mass of raw data but AI can do the same faster and with much greater volumes of data. 

Expect to see AI-powered business intelligence (BI) platforms at the forefront of manufacturing efficiency improvements.

Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing combines digital 3D modeling, automation, and 3D printing to create just about anything. While home 3D printers make models and toys, industrial 3D printers can create everything from rare automobile components to bridge struts. 

Expect to see additive manufacturing become a major aspect of industries like construction, transport, and various utilities as the technology advances. Experts are already exploring the possibilities of multi-material additive manufacturing which could make the process applicable in so many more use cases.

Sustainability

Operating sustainably is a priority for many manufacturing organizations. Research shows that 79% of manufacturers have implemented a net-zero carbon production initiative, although the deadlines for achieving that ambition differ among organizations. 

Data analysis plays a major role here, helping reduce waste and increase efficiencies for faster, less pollutant production. Automation can also help create more remote and hybrid manufacturing teams, reducing the need to travel to multiple facilities and further cutting an organization’s carbon footprint.

Hiring For an Evolving Manufacturing Industry

Recruiting more tech specialists experienced in advanced and emerging technologies provides manufacturers with a future-proof workforce. Leaders who seek out those with the right skills and a forward-thinking mindset ideally position their organizations to lead the drive toward efficiency in modern manufacturing.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

#thetrevigroup #recruitingtrends #informationtechnology #employmenttrends #jobmarket #hiringtrends

Cybersecurity and Governance Solutions: A Top Priority for the Legal Sector in 2024

Cybersecurity is a major priority for organizations in the legal sector as cybercrime continues to rise and increasingly stringent government compliance requirements are introduced. 

The American Bar Association (ABA) reports that law firms are attractive targets for cybercriminals due to a combination of handling large volumes of personal data and a lack of technical competencies. While the volume of organizations with policies in place for data governance is increasing, solo attorneys are still far more likely than larger law firms to stay abreast of both relevant technologies and rapidly shifting regulations. However, legal organizations that fail to move with the times could face severe financial and reputational repercussions.

Why Cybersecurity and Governance are Critical for the Legal Sector

Investing in cybersecurity is a must for legal firms that want to ensure that their clients’ data is properly protected. Cyber threats are on the rise in 2024, in both volume and diversity. At least 40% of organizations believe that cyber threats will severely impact their performance in 2024. With threats like ransomware as a service (RaaS) and phishing becoming more versatile all the time, that’s not an unfounded fear. 

Whatever aspect of the legal sector your firm operates in, you deal with sensitive information every day. That means you have a responsibility to use that data appropriately, protect it, and keep it secure and, above all, confidential. A breach of confidentiality can be a major problem for any legal organization.

Data security is also necessary to ensure regulatory compliance. All organizations must comply with data privacy laws such as the GDPR or CCPA. Failure to protect personal data can lead to hefty fines.

However, financial penalties aren’t the only concern for legal organizations that fail to protect data. If a breach occurs and data is leaked or stolen, that damages the reputation of the firm and it’s no longer seen as trustworthy by its clients. 

Emerging Cybersecurity and Governance Solutions in 2024

Various solutions are emerging to help legal firms handle the complexities of cybercrime and data governance.

Advanced Threat Detection: AI-powered threat intelligence and real-time monitoring can constantly assess networks for vulnerabilities and report potential issues in real-time. 

Zero Trust Architecture: Many legal organizations are turning to zero trust architecture, a multi-layered security solution based on the philosophy that no device or user has automatic authorization to access the company’s networks. Zero trust platforms constantly check and recheck aspects like device type, IP address, authentication details, location, and many more factors to ensure that every authorization matches the current security protocols.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Platforms: Legal firms can invest in integrated software solutions for managing regulatory compliance, risk, and data governance.

Cybersecurity Training: One of the most vital steps a law firm can take is to actively encourage a cybersecurity-conscious workforce. Employee training on how to identify risks and manage data can prevent breaches and ensure organizations remain in line with government compliance regulations. IBM states that 90% of cyber-attacks are caused by human error and are potentially avoidable with better-educated teams.

The Importance of Recruiting for Cybersecurity and Governance Roles

With that in mind, it’s essential that legal firms consider the skill sets of the employees they hire. An understanding of data protection and cybersecurity basics should be required for all roles within your organization.

If you’re looking to hire a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO) you should know that there’s a high demand for these professionals within the legal sector. Those with experience in cybersecurity and data governance are particularly sought after, so be prepared to make your benefits packages appealing to stand out from the crowd.

Filling these specialized roles is critical if you’re hoping to get ahead of the curve when it comes to battling cyber threats and protecting data. A data breach at a law firm could mean the difference between a successfully closed case and one that’s dismissed out of hand. Hiring a team that can oversee your overall data governance strategy, improve your cybersecurity posture, and analyze your networks for vulnerabilities is a must.

However, it’s not quite as simple as putting up a job posting and hoping for the best. The market for data-based professionals is crowded and highly competitive. Plus, there’s a shortage of candidates with the required skills. Demand for cybersecurity specialists is outpacing the rate at which individuals become qualified — the skill gap in this field has increased 19% year on year.  

How to Partner with a Recruiter to Fill Cybersecurity and Governance Positions

There are ways to make filling your data governance and security positions simpler. Find a recruitment partner that understands the industry and can help you post in the right places. Great recruitment advisors can help you leverage modern digital marketing techniques to target new audiences and even increase the diversity of your workforce while sourcing top talent.

Creating the right job description can also shorten your time to hire. Make sure you define exactly what skills you need and, if the role requires specialist certifications or qualifications, ensure those are noted in the essential requirements.

Many recruiters will have networks of passive candidates either through their own channels or via third-party platforms. These can be a great source of talent with niche expertise.

Whoever you work with to help you fill your cybersecurity roles, ensure they’re aware of the legal nature of your business and your company culture. That will help you find employees who understand your specialism and fit right in. 

Takeaway: Prioritizing Cybersecurity and Data Governance is Essential for Your Legal Organization

With legal firms handling huge volumes of sensitive client data, protecting it via effective data governance policies and cybersecurity protocols is essential. Partner with a trusted recruitment expert to find qualified candidates who can help ensure your firm stays compliant and maintains its good reputation.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

#thetrevigroup #recruitingtrends #informationtechnology #employmenttrends #jobmarket #hiringtrends

Why State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks are a Global Threat

State-sponsored cyber attacks can wreak havoc on a foreign country's IT infrastructure and cause billions of dollars of damage. As a result, government agencies and other organizations are looking for cybersecurity professionals such as threat hunters, security architects, and intelligence analysts to overcome this ever-growing problem. Learn more about these cyber attacks and the damage they cause below.

What Is a State-Sponsored Cyber Attack?

This type of event occurs when a government sponsors or carries out a cyber attack against another government or organization in a foreign country. State-sponsored attacks (SSAs) happen for various reasons:

• To infiltrate computer systems and IT infrastructure

• To exploit governments and organizations for money

• To gather intelligence

SSAs involve more resources than regular cyber attacks and can cause long-lasting damage to a foreign government or business. For example, cybercriminals can steal intellectual property and military intelligence from a government. Hackers can even penetrate critical infrastructure, such as electricity grids and water systems.

An example of a SSA is the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack, which impacted computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system. Hackers stole data from hundreds of thousands of businesses and demanded ransom payments in Bitcoin. The United States government publicly attributed the attack to North Korea.

State-sponsored cyber attacks have become more widespread in recent years. For example, the Russian government has used this type of cyber warfare during its war with Ukraine. SSAs have impacted Ukrainian infrastructure and disrupted operations.

As you can see, SSAs have the power to influence international politics. Many governments view these attacks as acts of war that impact relationships between countries.

How to Fight Back Against SSAs

In 2018, The Council of Foreign Relations urged governments to cooperate when dealing with SSAs to protect critical infrastructure and the global economy. The organization's recommendations included restarting negotiations about cyber issues between the US and Russia, the countries with the most advanced cyber powers. The Council of Foreign Relations also suggested starting discussions about a global cybercrime convention that included Russia and China, who were previously reluctant to address SSAs. One problem is that it's difficult to attribute SSAs to a foreign government. That's because the hackers behind these attacks are highly sophisticated and often mislead governments to protect their anonymity. Even if two attacks look similar, it doesn't mean they are from the same attacker.

The Council of Foreign Relations says:

"Governments and the global technical community should develop improvements and updates to core internet protocols to make cyber incident attribution more effective on the technical level."

Diplomacy is key here. More governments need to work together to fight back against state-sponsored attacks. However, that can be difficult if countries are wary of each other's motives. It's unlikely the problem of SSAs will go away any time soon.

Hiring the Right Staff to Counteract SSAs

Cybersecurity professionals with SSA experience are highly sought after by governments and organizations around the world. These professionals have the skills and knowledge to identify potential attacks, stop them from causing damage, and attribute a cyber attack to a nation-state or its agents.

Some of the most in-demand jobs in this sector right now include:

Threat Hunters

These professionals analyze large amounts of data to "hunt" for cyber threats in computer networks. That involves combing through log data to look for security vulnerabilities, acting on the latest security intelligence, and scanning networks and other infrastructure.

Security Architects

Security architects detect vulnerabilities like threat hunters. However, they also design systems that can prevent SSAs and other cyber attacks from happening.

Intelligence Analysts

Intelligence analysts take a proactive approach to cybersecurity by analyzing information that can prevent or mitigate a state-sponsored attack. These professionals often have experience in counterterrorism and financial crime.

How to Hire the Right Cybersecurity Professionals

Solving state-sponsored cyber attacks involves diplomacy and governments working together. However, the right cybersecurity professionals can prevent these events from happening and causing widespread damage to critical infrastructure and financial systems.

MRINetwork is a recruiting firm that places cybersecurity professionals in your organization, helping you solve the problem of SSAs and other security events. The organization fills gaps in your workforce and removes the challenges of hiring and recruitment. Find an MRINetwork office near you today and connect with talent advisors who can help you find top talent in your industry.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

#thetrevigroup #recruitingtrends #informationtechnology #employmenttrends #jobmarket #hiringtrends